At a glance

A Lancaster-based firm, ICS Accounting, has won the Best Contractor Accountancy award at the National Contracting Awards for the third consecutive year. The firm was recognised for its exceptional client feedback, compliance accreditations, and community involvement. This achievement highlights the firm's strong reputation in the contracting and financial services sector and its contribution to the North West business community.

A Lancaster-based firm of accountants are celebrating winning a major industry award for the third year in a row.  

Established in 2002, ICS Accounting have earned a reputation for providing comprehensive accountancy and payroll solutions for every size of business, from self-employed freelancers and contractors up to Public Limited Companies.  

Exceptional performance, excellent compliance accreditations, positive customer feedback and strong word of mouth recommendations secured them finalist places in three categories at the annual National Contracting Awards, up against leading providers from across the contracting and financial services sector.  

After a nail-biting night at last week’s black-tie ceremony, held at London’s Thames Riverbank Park Plaza, the team are celebrating their unprecedented third consecutive win for Best Contractor Accountancy.  

“To win three years running is such a buzz! It was a fabulous evening, and great to see so many people from our sector all supporting and celebrating each other.” says HR Manager Helen Callaghan.  

“With intense competition and scrutiny, to win Best Contractor Accountancy for the third year running is incredible, and fantastic recognition for the team,” adds Colin Thompson, ICS Accounting Managing Director. “We’re so proud to represent the strength and quality of the North West business community to a national audience of industry leaders and experts.”  

Finalists every year since the awards launched in 2019, judges praised the firm’s exceptional client feedback, highest levels of compliance accreditation, staff investment, and notable customer-focussed approach, resulting in sector-leading service and loyalty.  

That outlook extends into their strong community roots, from homeless shelter and foodbank volunteering to sponsored events raising tens of thousands of pounds annually for local charity St John’s Hospice.  

Also reaching the finals for Best Umbrella Company and Best Umbrella Company Service categories, after a memorable night- and first visit to London for Payroll Manager Jody- it was back to work for the team.  

“In increasingly fast-paced employment and regulatory times, the growing complexity of tax and compliance can feel overwhelming, especially for contractors and start-ups,” says Colin. “Our job is to take that pressure off hardworking people’s shoulders, so they can focus on the important things in confidence- even at 9am the ‘morning after’!”  

Editorial insight

This latest award win highlights the consistency with which ICS Accounting has been recognised by its peers and sector specialists. While industry awards are a regular feature of the accountancy calendar, repeated success at a national level can offer reassurance to clients, particularly in a field where trust and compliance are paramount.

For businesses and contractors navigating increasingly complex regulatory requirements, the endorsement of a specialist provider may offer added confidence. The firm’s ongoing recognition also serves to raise the profile of professional services in the North West, an area with a growing reputation for supporting the UK’s flexible workforce.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Industry trend

The Role of Compliance and Customer Service in Winning Industry Awards

ICS Accounting's multiple award wins highlight the growing importance of compliance and customer service excellence in the accounting industry, raising questions about industry standards and the pressures firms face to compete.

Target audience trade-industry Story potential 6/10 Regional impact

Lancaster Accountancy Firm’s Continued Success at National Awards Highlights Regional Business Excellence

The third consecutive win at the National Contracting Awards for ICS Accounting underscores the calibre of businesses based in the North West. This achievement shines a spotlight on the region's competitive presence in the financial services sector.

Target audience regional-news Story potential 7/10